The Dagbon Overlord, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, has provided his blessings and complete backing to Dr. Yussif Sulemana, the Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
The recent appointment of Dr. Sulemana to the head of the state-owned refinery marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first Northerner to hold this position. The Northern Region has warmly embraced this milestone.
On Saturday, April 19, Dr. Sulemana visited the Gbewaa Palace to inform the Overlord of his new position and seek his blessings. The visit highlighted the value of remaining connected to one’s heritage.
At the meeting, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II expressed his delight at the progress and encouraged Dr. Sulemana to prove himself worthy of the President’s faith. He also urged the new TOR leader to honor those who chose him and set an example of excellence for the entire Northern Region.
The Overlord also urged Dr. Sulemana to excel in his new position and establish a precedent that could open avenues for other Northerners to reach high-ranking positions in national organizations.
Dr. Sulemana responded by expressing sincere appreciation to the President for the opportunity and also conveyed thanks to the King and people of Dagbon for their unwavering prayers and support. He restated his dedication to serving with diligence and honesty while also appealing for continual assistance as he undertakes this demanding responsibility.
“We are very much grateful to John Mahama for handing over the oil refinery to us. We thought it wise to bring it before our Overlord to put his blessing upon it, and from all indications, he has given us his total blessings. For us, it is overwhelming, and again, it assures us that people are praying for us. We are convinced that we are on the right course, and I think we will succeed at the end of the day.” he stated.
The TOR MD made a courtesy call to the Kuga Naa, who shared the same sentiments as the Overlord. He stressed the importance of maintaining integrity and urged Dr. Sulemana to prioritize efforts towards reducing youth unemployment in the area.
Dr. Sulemana, a proud member of the Tamale Secondary School (TAMASCO) Class of 1999, was joined by fellow alumni in expressing gratitude to the President for his historic appointment.
As the delegation’s spokesperson, Hajia Alhassan Faiza, Secretary of the 1999 year group, reiterated their backing for Dr. Sulemana and promised to stand behind him during his entire term.
Dr. Yussif Sulemana is a respected and accomplished individual in his field. He has made significant contributions to his profession and is highly regarded by his peers.
The Man Dr. Yussif Sulemana
Dr. Yussif Sulemana is the newly appointed Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), bringing a fresh wave of expertise and vision to transform Ghana’s flagship oil refinery into a center of excellence. His appointment in February 2025 marks a pivotal step toward revitalizing the nation’s refining capabilities and ensuring long-term energy security.
A Veteran in the Energy Sector
With over 20 years of experience spanning the upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas sectors, Dr. Sulemana is no stranger to the complexities and demands of the global energy landscape. He has served in notable roles such as Senior Oil & Gas Production Operations Specialist at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and Project Manager (Gasification) at Genser Energy. His technical journey began at TOR, where he once worked as a Chemical/Process Engineer—making his return as MD symbolic and strategic.
Academic Excellence and Leadership
Dr. Sulemana’s academic background is as impressive as his professional track record. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with a focus on Energy Management from the United States, a master’s degree in international Oil & Gas Management from the United Kingdom, and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. These qualifications have equipped him with a unique blend of operational know-how and strategic insight, which is critical for steering TOR through its next chapter.
A Strategic Vision for TOR
Taking over leadership at a challenging time, Dr. Sulemana has outlined a clear and ambitious roadmap for TOR’s recovery and growth. Central to his vision is the refinery’s complete rehabilitation, estimated to cost around $25 million. This investment, he believes, will restore TOR to full capacity, enabling it to produce high-quality petroleum products locally and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported refined fuels.
He has emphasized the need for innovation, efficiency, and a unified team effort to drive this transformation. Under his guidance, TOR is expected to adopt modern systems, enhance productivity, and meet international refining standards.
A Passion for People and STEM Advocacy
Dr. Sulemana is not only focused on infrastructure and systems. He is passionate about nurturing talent and advancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in Ghana. Over the years, he has actively mentored young professionals in the energy sector and continues to advocate for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. His contributions to the industry were recognized when he was named Energy Advocate of the Year at the Ghana Energy Awards.
Dr. Yussif Sulemana’s appointment is critical for TOR and the broader energy sector in Ghana. His leadership promises a renewed focus on operational efficiency, strategic investment, and human capital development. With a strong foundation in engineering, international exposure, and a proven track record of leadership, Dr. Sulemana is poised to lead TOR into a new era that reflects Ghana’s aspirations for energy independence and industrial growth.
